Less is more. To say that you are blue in the face from hearing this familiar line would be an understatement, right? Well, like all golden nuggets of fashion advice we receive from the stylists’ or the designers’ mouths, there is a very good reason for its repetition. And today’s FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT proves exactly why. Upon sight of this minimalist get-up, Kate Middleton immediately popped into my head, which strikes just the right balance between campus casual and chic sophistication. Her love for the Parisian-inspired simply oozes from today’s outfit as she teams a structured pair of skinnies with a complementary blazer, completing with a basic T-shirt, pumps and simple clutch purse. In the midst of the sea of chain print and Aztec patterns dominating campus style right now, this homage to classic, simple minimalism is a refreshing alternative.
Name: Carmel Desmond
Major: Arts
Year: Three
CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your personal style?
Carmel Desmond: I would describe it as very chic. I adore that classic minimalist French look – sophisticated, feminine and classy.
CF: From whom or where do you draw your fashion inspiration?
CD: I would draw a lot of inspiration from what I see in fashion magazines and on TV. I would also look to celebrity style to inspire my own, particularly Diane Kruger and Olivia Palermo – they do minimal chic so well and always look unique and striking regardless of whether they are attending a red carpet event or just out and about.
CF: If there was one item of clothing or accessory you could not live without, what would it be and why?
CD: The one item I could not live without is an LBD. Every girl should have one hanging in their wardrobe – it is the ultimate failsafe item.
CF: If there was one piece of style advice you could pass on to CollegeFashionistas everywhere, what would it be?
CD: The cardinal rule – less is more.
How To: If you are not by now aware of how valuable an asset a basic black blazer can be to your wardrobe then today’s Fashionista is sure to have you convinced. Not only does its structured shape complement her skinnies but it also adds a chic finish to her campus look. Hit up Zara, Princess Kate’s high street favourite, to emulate the look with this zip detail black blazer. While she adds a splash of colour with her skinny jeans, this Fashionista is sure to reflect her penchant for the muted minimalist look by opting for a dark shade of blue. Complete her look by teaming with a basic T-shirt and these cute boat shoes from River Island, which offer a more sophisticated alternative to the pump.